New York Jets - TeamReport

April 23, 2014|Reuters

NFL Team Report - New York Jets - INSIDE SLANT

Geno Smith is facing his critics head-on, namely himself.

That's why the New York Jets' second-year quarterback went through the "painful" process of watching every one of his 21 interceptions and four lost fumbles in 2013 over and over again during offseason film review. He readily admits he didn't take care of the ball well enough as a rookie, and it's why the team signed Michael Vick to compete for the starting job this year.

Still, Smith is confident the job is his to lose, and that his growth through experience will ultimately help him prevail as the starter.

"Knowing that I am going to take every action possible to get better and to come in to this season as a better player (gives me confidence)," Smith said on the first day of the team's offseason program Monday. "Having a second season in (offensive coordinator) Marty's (Mornhinweg) system, (being with quarterbacks) coach David Lee (for a second season) and with Rex (Ryan) as the head coach is going to do wonders, not just for myself but everyone on the offense.

"Obviously it is going to come down to production on the field. I just believe that with the experience that I have gained and with the direction that we were heading in as an offense and where I see myself as a second-year player, I just believe that I am more than capable of being the starter."

Smith was thrust into the starting job as a rookie when his training camp battle with Mark Sanchez fizzled with Sanchez ultimately missing the entire season. Smith went on to throw 12 touchdowns against 21 interceptions, and the playbook was eventually dialed back as Smith and an underwhelming supporting cast struggled to move the ball through the air.

The Jets signed Vick to provide veteran competition. The two have met several times during the offseason, and Smith claims he has no problem with the competition brought in by general manager John Idzik.

"I'm all for competition," said Smith. "I am going to compete no matter who (the team brings) in. I think we got a good guy in Mike, who brings something extra to the table as far as veteran leadership into our quarterback room.

"As well as a guy with tremendous capabilities that we all - him, myself and Matt Simms - can compete with one another as well as learn from one another. It should be fun in our quarterback room."

Vick has experience in the NFL and in the offensive system the Jets run. Smith claims he's ready to learn from Vick, while also proving he deserves to be behind center come Week 1.

"I respect what Michael said, but I understand that there's a competition and honestly, it comes down to what we do on the field," said Smith. "You (can talk about it) in these interviews, but it really comes down to what we do on the field and that's really what I look forward to.

"I look forward to competing with a guy like Mike because I know he has been a starter in this league and is capable at the age that he is. He still runs fast, he still throws it accurately and with great velocity. He is a very smart quarterback in my opinion and as long as we continue to get better, it's going to make our team better."

--Running back Chris Johnson signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets.

Johnson, 28, was released by the Tennessee Titans after six 1,000-yard seasons in Nashville.

The Jets envision Johnson as a big-play threat to pair with Chris Ivory when the offense slows to coach Rex Ryan's preferred "ground and pound" approach of relying on power running to move the chains and wear down opponents.

The Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys were reportedly interested in signing Johnson, but he would have come in as part of a timeshare arrangement at running back.

Johnson signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Titans in 2011 that included a base salary of $8 million for the 2014 season. New coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Ruston Webster made it clear Johnson was not part of the long-term plans. Attempts to trade Johnson for draft pick compensation didn't materialize.

Johnson might not be the same player he was in 2009, when he rushed for more than 2,000 yards, but he carried the ball 279 times in 2013 and could flourish as part of a rotation. With the Jets, Ivory and Bilal Powell figure into the workload.

Johnson is also a solid short-range receiver with an average of 45 catches in Tennessee. That reliable outlet makes him the ideal check-down read for second-year quarterback Geno Smith, competing with Michael Vick to start for the Jets in 2014.

After agreeing to terms, Johnson said, "I have a fresh start. Now I am going to go out there with a chip on my shoulder. I am very excited about that. It's a team on the rise and I want to make them better. ... I still have it."

"I think I'm going to fit in pretty well.

Johnson acknowledged that some have doubts about how much he has left, but he said, "I know a lot of people are doubting me. I want to prove everybody wrong who has doubts in me."